Rheumatic Diseases in Women and Children: Current Perspectives

Rheumatic diseases are characterised by inflammation and loss of function of one or more connecting or supporting structures of the body. These diseases especially affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Common signs and symptoms are pain, swelling, and stiffness. Some rheumatic diseases also can involve internal organs. There are more than 100 rheumatic diseases. Some are described as connective tissue diseases because they affect the supporting framework of the body and its internal organs. Others are known as autoimmune diseases because they occur when the immune system, which normally protects the body from infection and disease, harms the body's own healthy tissues (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases). Systemic rheumatic diseases often affect women during childbearing years, leading to concerns over medication use if pregnant. This book is a concise guide to the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases in pregnant women and in children. Divided into two main sections, the first examines the treatment of women with different types of rheumatic disease. Section two discusses paediatric rheumatology. Key points Concise guide to diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases in pregnant women and in children Emphasis on use of anti-rheumatic drugs in pregnancy and lactation Clinical cases and vignettes in paediatric rheumatology section assist learning Includes nearly 300 images, illustrations and tables